⚠️ SAFETY: Kimura from Mount targets the Shoulder joint (glenohumeral joint, rotator cuff). Risk: Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor). Release immediately upon tap.
The Kimura from Mount represents one of the highest-percentage shoulder lock attacks in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, combining the dominant control of mount with the mechanical advantage of the double-wrist grip. This submission targets the shoulder joint through a figure-four grip configuration that isolates the opponent’s arm while leveraging superior positional control. From mount, the attacking grappler can transition seamlessly between maintaining positional dominance and applying submission pressure, creating a strategic dilemma where defensive movements often expose additional attacks. The technique’s effectiveness stems from the ability to use bodyweight, hip pressure, and precise angle creation to generate overwhelming torque on the shoulder capsule. Unlike Kimuras from other positions, the mount variation offers exceptional control over the opponent’s ability to roll or escape, making it particularly reliable in both training and competition scenarios. The submission can be finished while maintaining mount or used as a transition mechanism to take the back or establish other dominant positions.
Category: Joint Lock Type: Shoulder Lock Target Area: Shoulder joint (glenohumeral joint, rotator cuff) Starting Position: Mount Success Rates: Beginner 50%, Intermediate 65%, Advanced 80%
Safety Guide
Injury Risks:
| Injury | Severity | Recovery Time |
|---|---|---|
| Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor) | High | 3-6 months with potential surgery requirement |
| Shoulder dislocation (anterior or posterior) | High | 6-12 weeks, possible surgical intervention |
| Labrum tear | High | 4-9 months with surgery |
| Bicep tendon strain or rupture | Medium | 4-8 weeks for strain, 3-6 months for rupture |
| Acromioclavicular joint separation | Medium | 6-12 weeks depending on grade |
Application Speed: SLOW and progressive - minimum 3-5 seconds from initial pressure to maximum torque in training
Tap Signals:
- Verbal tap (saying ‘tap’ or any distress vocalization)
- Physical hand tap on opponent or mat (multiple rapid taps)
- Physical foot tap on mat or opponent
- Any audible distress signal or change in breathing pattern
- Shoulder popping or cracking sounds (immediate release)
Release Protocol:
- Immediately stop all rotational pressure on the shoulder
- Release the figure-four grip while maintaining control of the arm
- Gently guide the arm back to neutral position without sudden movements
- Allow opponent to move shoulder through safe range of motion before resuming training
- Check for pain, instability, or reduced range of motion before continuing
Training Restrictions:
- Never apply explosive or jerking motions to the shoulder
- Never use competition-speed application in training
- Always ensure training partner has clear tap access with free hand
- Stop immediately at first sign of discomfort or unusual joint sensation
- Never apply Kimura when opponent’s arm is already compromised or injured
- Avoid practicing on training partners with known shoulder injuries or hypermobility
Key Principles
- Establish dominant mount control with heavy hip pressure before attempting the submission
- Secure the figure-four grip with maximum distance between your hands to create leverage
- Control the opponent’s elbow position - keep it tight to their body during setup
- Create the proper angle by positioning your body perpendicular to opponent’s trapped arm
- Apply rotational pressure in a circular motion toward opponent’s head, not straight up
- Maintain mount control throughout the submission to prevent escapes or counters
- Use progressive pressure application - build torque gradually to allow safe tapping
Prerequisites
- Establish stable high mount or S-mount position with hips low and heavy
- Control opponent’s near arm by isolating it away from their body
- Secure initial wrist control with your same-side hand (right hand to opponent’s right wrist)
- Break opponent’s defensive frames or grips using weight distribution and pressure
- Position your chest and shoulder pressure to limit opponent’s movement and breathing space
- Create angle by shifting your hips toward the trapped arm side
- Ensure opponent cannot use their free hand to defend the trapped arm effectively
Execution Steps
- Establish Mount Control and Isolate the Arm: From high mount, use your chest pressure and hip control to pin opponent flat. Bait or force their arm across their body by threatening attacks to the opposite side, or wait for them to frame against your chest. When the arm extends, immediately trap their wrist with your same-side hand (if attacking right arm, use your right hand). Pin their wrist to the mat or their chest to prevent retraction. (Timing: 2-3 seconds to establish position) [Pressure: Firm]
- Feed the Wrist and Secure Figure-Four Grip: While maintaining wrist control, thread your opposite hand (left hand for right arm attack) underneath their elbow and grip your own wrist, creating the figure-four configuration. Your grip should be as deep as possible on your wrist - the further from their arm you grip, the more leverage you create. Keep their elbow bent at approximately 90 degrees and tight to their torso during this transition. (Timing: 1-2 seconds for grip transition) [Pressure: Moderate]
- Create Angle and Establish Base: Shift your hips and upper body toward the trapped arm side, creating a perpendicular angle to their body. Your chest should now be oriented toward their head rather than directly down on their torso. Maintain one knee tight against their ribs on the trapped arm side while extending the other leg for base. This angle is critical - it aligns your body mechanics for optimal torque application. (Timing: 1-2 seconds for positional adjustment) [Pressure: Firm]
- Lift the Elbow and Control Height: Using your figure-four grip, lift their elbow off the mat while keeping their hand pinned toward their body or the mat. The elbow should rise to approximately the height of their ribcage or slightly higher. This creates the necessary leverage arm for the submission. Keep their wrist close to their body - if their hand moves too far from their torso, the submission loses effectiveness. (Timing: 1-2 seconds) [Pressure: Moderate]
- Walk Hands Toward Head: While maintaining elbow height and grip integrity, begin moving their hand in a circular arc toward their head. The motion should be smooth and controlled, rotating the shoulder internally. Your hands move together as a unit - do not pull with one hand more than the other. The pressure increases progressively as you move through the arc. Watch for the tap, which typically comes when their hand reaches ear level. (Timing: 3-5 seconds progressive application) [Pressure: Firm]
- Finish or Transition: Continue the circular rotation until opponent taps. If they resist strongly or begin to roll, be prepared to transition: maintain your figure-four grip and follow their roll to take the back, or step over their head into an armbar position. Never release the grip prematurely - the Kimura control allows multiple submission and positional options even if the shoulder lock itself doesn’t finish immediately. (Timing: Until tap or transition initiated) [Pressure: Maximum]
Opponent Defenses
- Grabbing their own gi pants or belt (defensive grip) (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Maintain pressure and use your bodyweight to break the grip by continuing the circular motion. Alternatively, post your hand on their head and use leverage to force their hand away from their body, then complete the arc toward their head.
- Rolling toward the trapped arm to relieve pressure (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Adjustment: Follow the roll while maintaining figure-four grip. As they roll, transition your legs to take the back with seat belt control, or use the momentum to transition to a crucifix position. The Kimura grip remains secure throughout the transition.
- Bridging explosively to disrupt base and mount control (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Lower your hips and widen your base immediately when you feel the bridge. Post your head on the mat on the trapped arm side to prevent being swept. Keep the figure-four grip locked and maintain elbow height - even if mount is threatened, the submission pressure continues.
- Straightening the trapped arm to prevent rotation (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Adjustment: If they straighten the arm, you gain access to a straight armbar. Simply adjust your angle, bring your leg over their face, and fall back for the armbar. The Kimura grip naturally transitions to armbar control when they extend.
- Using free hand to push your face or create distance (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Adjustment: Pin their pushing hand with your head pressure or trap it with your free knee. Alternatively, threaten to transition your attack to their free arm, forcing them to retract the defensive hand. Your mount control and figure-four grip remain primary throughout.
Test Your Knowledge
Q1: Why must the Kimura from mount be applied with slow, progressive pressure in training rather than explosive force? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: The shoulder joint contains multiple vulnerable structures including the rotator cuff tendons, labrum, and joint capsule that can tear or rupture without adequate warning if explosive force is applied. Slow, progressive application over 3-5 seconds allows the training partner to recognize the danger, assess their defense options, and tap safely before structural damage occurs. The shoulder joint’s complex anatomy means injury can happen rapidly and without pain signals until damage is already done. Competition-speed application should only occur in competition where both athletes accept this risk.
Q2: What is the correct grip configuration for the figure-four Kimura lock and why does hand placement distance matter? A: The figure-four grip is created by controlling the opponent’s wrist with your same-side hand, then threading your opposite hand underneath their elbow to grip your own wrist. The critical element is gripping your wrist as far from the opponent’s arm as possible - maximum distance between your hands creates maximum leverage. This distance functions as a lever arm: the further your grip point from the fulcrum (their shoulder), the more torque you can generate with less effort. Gripping too close to their arm reduces mechanical advantage significantly and makes the submission weak.
Q3: What should you do immediately if you hear popping, clicking, or cracking sounds from your opponent’s shoulder during Kimura application? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: IMMEDIATELY release all rotational pressure and follow the release protocol: stop the rotation, release the figure-four grip while controlling the arm, and gently guide their arm back to neutral position. Joint sounds during shoulder locks indicate structural damage is occurring - ligaments, tendons, or cartilage are tearing or joints are subluxating. Continuing pressure after hearing these sounds will cause severe injury requiring surgical intervention. Check your partner’s shoulder health, range of motion, and pain levels before resuming any training. When in doubt, encourage immediate medical evaluation.
Q4: What is the correct rotational direction and path for applying the Kimura from mount, and why does this matter? A: The correct motion is a circular arc that moves the opponent’s hand toward their head while maintaining elbow height at approximately ribcage level. This creates internal rotation of the shoulder joint, which engages the posterior shoulder capsule and rotator cuff tendons for maximum mechanical pressure. The motion should be smooth and circular, like stirring a large pot, not lifting straight up. Incorrect angles (pulling straight up or away from the body) fail to engage the shoulder joint properly and reduce submission effectiveness while potentially directing pressure to less vulnerable structures.
Q5: Why is maintaining mount control throughout the Kimura attempt considered essential to the technique’s effectiveness? A: Mount control provides three critical advantages: First, your bodyweight creates constant downward pressure that limits opponent’s mobility and breathing, compounding the submission pressure psychologically and physically. Second, mount position prevents common Kimura defenses like rolling away or creating distance - your legs and hips pin their torso. Third, maintaining mount means you retain dominant position even if the submission attempt fails, allowing you to transition to other attacks or reestablish the Kimura without losing positional hierarchy. Sacrificing mount for submission speed often results in losing both position and submission.
Q6: What are the three most dangerous injuries that can result from improper Kimura application, and what are their typical recovery timelines? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: The three most severe injuries are: (1) Rotator cuff tears affecting the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, or teres minor tendons, requiring 3-6 months recovery and often surgical repair; (2) Shoulder dislocation (anterior or posterior), requiring 6-12 weeks recovery with possible surgical intervention for recurrent instability; and (3) Labrum tears, requiring 4-9 months recovery with surgery. All three injuries can result in permanent shoulder instability or reduced range of motion if not properly treated. These injuries typically occur when explosive force is applied or when training partners continue pressure past the tap point.
Q7: How should you adjust your Kimura attack if the opponent straightens their trapped arm to defend? A: When the opponent straightens their trapped arm in an attempt to reduce rotational pressure on the shoulder, they create an immediate opening for a straight armbar. Maintain your grip on their wrist, adjust your angle by bringing your leg over their face toward the trapped arm side, and fall back while controlling their arm for the armbar finish. The figure-four grip naturally transitions to armbar control when they extend. This is why Kimura defense by arm extension is considered poor technique - it trades one submission threat for another without escaping danger.
From Which Positions?
Expert Insights
- Danaher System: The Kimura from mount represents the perfect marriage of positional dominance and submission mechanics. The critical element that distinguishes high-level execution is understanding that the submission is not about strength but about angle creation and progressive pressure application. Your body must be perpendicular to the opponent’s trapped arm, creating a biomechanical configuration where your entire torso can generate rotational force on their shoulder joint. The figure-four grip functions as a second-class lever system - the further your grip from their shoulder (the fulcrum), the more mechanical advantage you generate. Students often make the error of attempting the finish while their body remains square to the opponent. This alignment failure reduces the technique’s effectiveness by approximately 60-70%. In training, the Kimura from mount should be practiced with methodical attention to shoulder joint safety - the rotator cuff complex is particularly vulnerable to injury when rotational force is applied explosively. The shoulder capsule will fail under sudden load before proprioceptive feedback can signal the brain to tap, making progressive pressure application not merely a courtesy but a fundamental technical requirement. From a systematic perspective, the Kimura from mount serves as an excellent hub technique connecting to back attacks, armbar transitions, and mount maintenance strategies.
- Gordon Ryan: In competition, the Kimura from mount is one of my highest-percentage finishing positions because it combines two elements opponents struggle to defend simultaneously: overwhelming positional control and immediate submission threat. The key to making this submission work at the highest levels is understanding that you can’t just muscle it - elite grapplers have strong shoulders and will resist pure strength applications. What works is creating a dilemma: I maintain heavy mount pressure that makes them uncomfortable and fatigued, then use attacking threats to the opposite side to force arm extension. When they frame or reach, I immediately transition to the Kimura grip. The most important detail for competition success is never sacrificing your mount position to chase the finish. If I have Kimura control from mount and they’re defending well, I’m winning on points and position. I can be patient, maintain pressure, and wait for them to make an error or fatigue. Against tough opponents, I often use the Kimura threat to force reactions: when they defend the Kimura by rolling, I follow to take the back with the grip intact. When they straighten their arm to defend the rotation, I transition to the armbar. The Kimura from mount isn’t just a submission - it’s a control position that opens multiple pathways to victory. In training, unlike competition, I’m extremely careful about application speed because shoulder injuries can derail training camps and competition preparation for months.
- Eddie Bravo: The Kimura from mount is a fundamental position, but at 10th Planet we look at it as part of a larger system of mount attacks rather than an isolated submission. What makes the technique powerful is that it’s one piece of a puzzle: you threaten the opposite side with something - maybe an Ezekiel, maybe head control for a choke - and when they defend, boom, you transition to the Kimura. The mount is the perfect platform because they can’t move, can’t breathe well, and their defensive options are extremely limited. One innovation we emphasize is the connection between Kimura control and taking the back. When you have that figure-four grip locked from mount and they try to roll to defend, don’t fight the roll - follow it and take the back. Now you have back control with a Kimura grip already established, which opens up a bunch of submissions and control options. The traditional BJJ approach sometimes gets too focused on the finish from one position, but we see it more fluidly: the grip, the control, the pressure, and the ability to follow their escape attempts and end up in an even better position. Safety-wise, this is not a submission to fuck around with in training. The shoulder joint is complex and injuries are serious - we always emphasize controlled application and early tapping in the gym. Save the fast, explosive finishes for competition. In the training room, technical precision and partner safety come first, because injured training partners can’t help you improve.